PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Cedric Bakambu - The Congolese hitman eager to see DRC coach stay

Cedric Bakambu

Monday Nov 13, 2017. 16:00

The prolific forward was born in Vitry-sur-Seine, France to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) parents and he decided to play for the European country's youth national teams.

Bakambu represented France up to under-20 level, totalling 8 goals in 38 games and winning the 2010 UEFA European Championship for the under-19s between 2009, and 2011.

In 2015, the Congolese Association Football Federation and DRC head coach Florent Ibenge convinced Bakambu to switch his international allegiance to the Central African side.

Bakambu has since estabslished himself as one of DRC's key players having scored seven goals in 16 appearances for Ibenge's side to date.

According to Jeune Afrique, Ibenge's contract with the Congolese Association Football Federation is set to expire in December 2017.

"Yes, we are aware. We'll see. It's not us who decides," Bakambu told the publication.

"This will be played out at the level of the Federation. Florent Ibenge called me in selection.

"I became one of the executives. It's a status I'm assuming," he continued.

"But as far as the coach's question is concerned, it's not for me to talk about that."

Bakambu, 26, scored twice during DRC's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

He has also scored two goals in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.